Rainwater Harvesting

Shedd Aquarium :: Chicago, IL

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago commissioned Aquascape Construction to install a 3000-gallon Aquascape Rainwater Harvesting System adjacent to its outdoor terrace. An 80-foot waterfall was built to replicate a watershed that can be replenished with rainwater from the property. The self-sustaining water feature provides a riparian zone, which is instrumental in water quality for surface run-off. By incorporating the sub-surface reservoir, rainwater run-off is better managed and provides an aesthetic waterfall feature at the same time. Visitors to the Shedd Aquarium, as well as passers-by on the lakefront’s paved bike path, can interact with the water feature. A bridge traverses the stream from the dining terrace to the grass beyond. Native plants soften the edges of the rocky feature and provide a landing spot for birds, butterflies, and bees.

Finished waterfall adjacent to terrace.

View of the water feature and the skyline.

About Us

Aquascape Construction is the world’s largest decorative water feature design and installation company. Located in the Chicagoland area, we’ve been in business for more than 25 years. Our naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem ponds work with Mother Nature, not against her. We pride ourselves in creating water features that appear to have always existed in their surrounding landscape.